Hockeyroos defeat India 1-0

Australia's Sarah Taylor embraces a fellow team-mate after the Hockeyroos historic 1-0 victory over India in the gold medal game.

Australia has defeated India 1-0 in the Final of the Women's Hockey at the State Neball and Hockey Centre.

In the Final, despite there being no score in the first half as defenders repeatedly repelled opposition attacks, Australia dominated possession but was unable to convert despite good play from Nicole Hudson and Sarah Talyor on the left.

Angela Skirving controlled most of Australia's seven penalty corner shots but was unable to capitalise.

In a tight second half, Australia dominated possession once again. However, it was not until the 62nd minute that Australia's Sarah Taylor smashed a ball into the circle, allowing captain Hudson to deflect a shot past the Indian goalkeeper for the winning goal.

Australian captain and goal scorer Hudson said after the match, "I'm so proud of the girls. We're really in disbelief at the moment. India is a top team but we just played better on the day."

“I just wanted to give it a real go. It's been a long time since we've got a gold medal. We're tired but ecstatic."

Australian coach Frank Murray said, "today was a matter of taking opportunities when they came. Both teams had opportunities but we came out on top."

The India team is ranked sixth in the world but despite a devastating loss to arch-rival Pakistan, were able to make it to the Final and win silver. Only Australia and Pakistan are ranked higher than India among the Commonwealth nations.

Indian coach Mahraja Kaushik said, "We could have won today. We have a very good team and the girls played very well throughout the tournament."

In the bronze medal game, England defeated New Zealand in an epic encounter which went into two periods of extra time. The game was eventually decided in a penalty shoot-out, which England won 3-1.